Timeline to 2011
 1980s- Era of President Ronald Reagan, America recovers
from Vietnam and the country began to boom again.
 1990s- America enters the Gulf War in 1990, but will end it
in 1991. A new type of music becomes popular, where artists
tell stories about their lives without singing (Rap/Hip
Hop).
 2000s- Two Planes flew into The World Trade Centers in
New York on September 11, 2001 orchestrated by Al Qaeda
and Osama Bin Laden.
 2011- May 2, 2011 Navy Seals find the Hide-Out of Bin
Laden and execute him.
Vocabulary
 Constitution- a document that outlines fundamental
laws and principals of law. It describes the limits of
government.
 Federalism- a type of government in which powers and
duties are shared between the states and the national
government.
 Separation of Powers- where basic duties in the
government are divided into three branches.
 Popular Sovereignty- a system of government
where the people rule; or people vote.
Bill of Rights
U.S. Constitution
Texas Constitution
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 1. Freedom and Sovereignty
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1. Freedom of Religion
2. Right to Bear Arms
3. No Quartering of Soldiers
4. Freedom from illegal Search
5. Freedom from self
incrimination
6. Right of speedy Trial
7. Right of Trial by Jury
8. Freedom from Excessive Bail
9. Other Rights
10. Powers reserved for the
States
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State
2. Equality under the law
3. Religious Test
4. Freedom of Worship
5. Freedom of Speech and Press
6. Search and Seizure
7. Bail
8. Trial by Jury
9. Right to Bear Arms
10. Marriage
Two- Party System
Democrat
Republican
 Liberal Views
 Pro-Choice
 Believe it is the communities job
 Conservative Views
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to handle the poor
More spending for programs
Strong states: California, New
York and Massachusetts
Famous Presidents: Franklin D.
Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and
Bill Clinton.
Most Minorities associate with
this party.
 Pro-Life
 Believe it is the individual’s right
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to take care of themselves.
Less spending on programs
Strong States: Texas, Oklahoma
and Kansas
Famous Presidents: Teddy
Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln,
Ronald Reagan.
This party is mainly Caucasian.
Legislative Branch (Lawmakers)
U.S Constitution (1789)
Texas Constitution
 Legislative Branch
 Senate
House of Rep.
 Legislative Branch
 Senate
 Makes Laws
 House
Executive Branch (Law Enforcers)
U.S. Constitution
Texas Constitution
 President- Elected 4 year
 Governor- Elected 4 year
Term. (Max Term 2)
 Vice President- Elected 4 year
Term.
Term. (Unlimited Terms)
 Lieutenant Governor- Elected
4 year Term.
 Railroad CommissionerElected 4 year Term.
Judicial Branch (Interprets the Law)
U.S. Constitution
Texas Constitution
 Supreme Court Judges-
 Supreme Court of Texas-
Appointed for Life by the
President.
Elected office.
 Municipal Trial Courts/
Justice of the Peace.
The Workings of the Government
U.S. Constitution
Texas Constitution
 Federal Government- where a
 State Government- Power rest
group of states agree to give
up some of its power to the
Central Government.
 The Federal Government is
Supreme Law.
 50 States United.
particularly in the state. With
some leeway.
 Power does not Conflict with
Federal Government.
 254 Counties.
Duty of Texas Citizens
 To serve on a Jury
 To pay federal, local and
property taxes to help
fund public education
and other programs.
 To follow all Federal and
State laws.
Balance of Powers
 Each branch of Government is checked by the other.
 (Executive)= (Judicial)- The President appoints Federal
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Judges.
(Judicial)= (Executive)- Judges can declare President’s
actions Unconstitutional.
(Legislative)= (Executive)- Congress can Impeach the
President.
(Executive)= (Legislative)- President can Veto any bill by
Congress.
(Judicial)= (Legislative)- Supreme Court can overrule
Congress if the law is Unconstitutional.
(Legislative)= (Judicial)- Congress has to approve the
Federal Judges appointed by the President.